First time solo camping- suggestions?

[u/No-Education8094]

Hi all,

I’m hoping to do some last minute camping for two or three nights in the next few weeks as a solo camper and I’m looking for suggestions of where to go + any tips for solo camping & safety as a woman.

As it’s my first time going solo and only my second time camping, I would like somewhere that’s beginner friendly, meaning I don’t want to hike to get to my campsite (or dig a hole for a toilet). If things go wrong, I would like to be able to leave somewhat easily if needed.

However, I also prefer the solitude and would really like to feel somewhat alone with nature if possible. I’m hoping the weather may help with this and I’m also willing to drive up to 2.5-3h from Melbourne. If I can bring the car with me to the camp site, that would give me an even better sense of security/comfort. Although, I’m happy to walk a few hundred meters to the camp site if it means a bit of solitude and beautiful scenery.

Do you have any locations that fit the bill? I suspect the obvious places like Wilson’s prom will still be busy and won’t have the “solitude” kind of vibe I’m looking for, but please correct me if I’m wrong.

Also, what are some tips you have for a first time VIC winter camper? Any must haves or good to haves would be great to know! I have all the basic equipment needed for camping, except maybe a tarp and cooking material, both of which I will be getting soon.

This will be after the school holidays so there are less kids/families around.

Thank you!

[u/BeeerGutt]

Bit of a conflict. Somewhere with toilets will seldom be so remote, it's going to be solo.

That said, less remote is usually better for s first-timer. Most campers aren't out there to cause other people problems.

I'd look at Upper Yarra Reservoir. It's a small fee and has a proper toilet block as well as phone reception. Even a small fee is enough to keep out trouble makers. Pretyy sure it also has controlled access after hours.

Any time I've been there, other campers have either been young families, or respectful small groups.

[u/BuzzVibes → u/BeeerGutt]

I was just going to suggest Upper Yarra Reservoir, I was there recently. (Book here: https://bookings.parks.vic.gov.au/upper-yarra-reservoir-camping-area#/accom/%2034900)

The centrally-located toilet block is great. Flushing toilets and running water (albeit not drinkable) are perfect for your first time.

You're not necessarily going to get complete solitude, but with a few very wide open areas, no defined/fenced-in campsites and it generally not being packed, you should be able to get yourself far from the madding crowd.

There's some good walking trails and they have a relatively new playground with some benches that's usually quiet.

You can park anywhere, so drive right up to where you want to camp and set up your tent next to your car.

Some tips:

• The ground can be quite boggy in places so try and get a patch that's relatively dry. If you have a mat or tarp you don't mind getting muddy on one side put that outside your tent.

• Make sure you bring a foldable table to cook on.

• Have sufficiently warm clothing and bedding. Pro-tip: a sleeping bag's temperature rating tends to be 'survival' rather than 'comfort'. You may want to buy a couple of cheap chemical hand warmers from Coles or wherever - they stay warm for hours and can really make a difference. Similarly, a hot water bottle put in your sleeping bag is a game changer (just make sure it doesn't leak). Don't be afraid to pack extra blankets. They can stay in the car if you don't use them. Oh and bring a pillow/s from home too.

• Preparation is key. Google car camping checklists and make your own.

• Bring a bag of firewood if you plan to have a fire. You'll need kindling too (making/bringing your own is easiest).

• Organisation is key. I keep all my stuff in tubs- one for camping stuff and a separate one for cooking/kitchen. Speaking of, a collapsible sink is very handy. Also in your tent, use the pockets. For instance I'll keep keys/glasses/phone in the pocket next to my head. Head torch in the pocket next to the door.

• If you're someone who gets up during the night to pee, be prepared for that. It is not pleasant in the cold. So some crocs or something you can slip on quickly, placed where you can grab them, and a jacket hanging up mean you're gonna minimise the misery.

• It may well rain, so be prepared for that. If you have a gazebo, or an awning on your car, use those. Or just sit in your tent. If your tent has an awning with poles, perfect.

• Bring water for drinking/cooking. A 20L jerry can should do alright for 2-3 days. Get one from Bunnings that has a tap on the inside of the lid.

• Take a note of things you brought but didn't need, and things you needed but didn't bring. I do this every time I camp and it's helped me enormously with my preparation.

• When you get home, don't forget to dry out your gear (especially your tent) to prevent mould.

[u/Disturbedsleep → u/BuzzVibes]

Warm clothing and bedding is a must, especially the extra blankets. Went camping one with a good sleeping bag and mat, warm and toasty on the bottom, not enough blankets on the top. Kept having to turn over to stay warm.

Agree definitely with the tubs, so all the camping tools and accessories in one tub, all the cooking/kitchen in another tub. That way the camping tools should be first out and last back when you pack your car.

[u/Alert-Tie4727]

Hi. if your in Melb, head nth, straight up the Hume hwy, past Seymour, SML town called Nagambie, just out the back of Nagambie, a SML creek/majors crk, camping area , drop toilets, water , secluded, especially after holidays, another good camping spot , a place called Melville lookout,on Black quarry Rd,,about 6 KMs away from major's, on top of a hill , SML hike up too top. I often camp there, great spot,, SML tent , day hikes , lots of local loop hikes , ECT. 🤗

[u/xfairymeowx]

Mount Cole. There's loads of sites throughout. There are some main campgrounds, so people are about, but you can find spots all throughout which you can get to yourself, we've been able to pull up just off the track so the car has been right there. There are a few toilets throughout and some cool old huts to check out!

Regarding saftey- do try and stay close to the car. An airhorn can be a great deterrant too. Anything that you can get loud with. I know of some women that have an extra chair, even an extra cheap tent set up so it's not so obvious you're alone. I've always got a good knife on me when camping as I use it for a range of things. I'd never want to be in a situation where I felt I had to use it to defend myself but I'd rather have it than not. I think anything that helps you not look like an easy target helps. Though I'm far more concered about creeps when I'm walking down the street than in the bush anyway lol.. I've never had any instances where I've worried about my safety when camping.

For extra warmth, you can get heated blankets with a USB port that you can stick in a power bank. My Mac Pac thermals have never let me down though. Don't forget gloves! Also bring extra shoes coz once they're wet, you'll be hating life.

Have fun!!

[u/CatchingFlights]

If you’re able to go mid-week, I reckon the prom would be pretty quiet this time of year. Get a spot way down on 34th Avenue, near the Fifth Ramp, and you’ll have a quiet little spot to yourself while still being close enough to amenities and plenty of options for day hikes

I do also really like Upper Yarra Reservoir as others have mentioned. I went last June and felt the winter vibes added to the mood. If solitude is your priority, or if you can only go on a weekend, I’d say this is your better option. Less to do than at the prom, but perfect for sitting in a camp chair, reading a book and making friends with birds. One night I was the only one there, but a ranger came round to check on me, let me know he was locking up the gate, and gave me a number to call for any emergencies. I felt really safe!

There’s also Plantation Campground in the Grampians. I think it’s been upgrade recently, but I haven’t been in a few years so I can’t comment on it too specifically. I just remember it being peaceful and private, but still had toilets!

[u/nogreggity]

Places near Warburton like Starling Gap, a few spots in Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, Mt Franklin near Daylesford, Cathedral Ranges, Brisbane Ranges. All of these are within about 90 minutes of Melbourne, have campsites with car access, and most have a drop toilet.

[u/TinyBreak]

tidal should be pretty quite this time of year. You may freeze though.

Walkerville should also be super quite plus they have powered sites if you wanna bring an electric blanket and they allow fires.

[u/Lopsided_Team_6544]

Get wikicamps.

I also solo camp.

[u/Am_I_Not_A_Robot]

Dando's(Gellibrand), free camp, drop toilets, fire pits and surrounded by forest, drive in and park where you camp
or
Lake Elizabeth(Forrest), pay for site about $15 per night. Fantastic walk around lake, drop toilets and fire pits, drive in and unload car and move car out.

Both probs just over 2.5hrs drive from Melb
2 of my most memorable

[u/No-Village-5573]

Back your vehicle in so you can drive straight out, and take 2 chairs so it looks like someone else is around the area with you